Our veterans’ stories inspire us. We want to add yours.
We’re grateful for the exceptional individuals who have chosen to bring their skills, passion and dedication – forged through a career defending our country’s values – to our team. We’d like you to get to know more and about them. We’d love for you to join them.
Hear from our vets
Craig Washington
“I joined Northwell Health because it offered me an opportunity to use the skills and tools I had learned in the Air Force as a Staff Sargent – ‘mission first’ became ‘patient first.’ I appreciate the assistance our VALOR group offers to veterans and their families.”
Craig Washington,
Patient Support Manager,
Zucker Hillside Hospital
Zucker Hillside Hospital
David Zilka
“From the moment I started working here, I felt embraced as an asset of the organization and that my service, unique set of skills and experiences as an Army medic were valued.”
David Zilka,
Assistant Nurse Manager,Coronary Care Unit,
North Shore University Hospital
Nicholas J. Meyers
“I feel like I’m part of an organization and values my input and ideas. As an Aviation Operations Specialist in the Marines, the transition to Budget Analyst here was seamless because I had already developed the technical skills I needed to succeed.“
Nicholas J. Meyers,
Financial Operations Manager,
Southside Hospital
Southside Hospital
Melonie Longacre
“This is an organization that takes pride in hiring, coaching and growing veterans in civilian careers. Since my transition from the Army, I was able to advance my education through our tuition reimbursement program and receive my Masters in Business Administration.”
Melonie Longacre,
Administrative Director of Radiology and Cardiology,
Plainview and Syosset Hospital
Plainview and Syosset Hospital
Helping Dana write a new chapter in her life
“In 2012, Dana Martin relocated from an active duty military lifestyle overseas in Italy to civilian life in New York. Though her husband was also transitioning from military life, he had to stay in Italy for a while to finish clearing. Dana arrived in New York with nothing. No home and no job. She stayed with family for a while until her husband came home and they rented a house with friends for a year.
“That was the toughest year of our lives,” remembers Dana. “I started to write poetry and post my art online.” Dana’s mother, an EKG Technician at Northwell Health Southside Hospital, noticed her daughter’s words and her struggles. She told Dana about Northwell Health’s Military Liaison Department and helped Dana establish numerous connections. They mentored Dana, helped her craft a great resume and set her up on multiple interviews for positions within Northwell Health.
After a few weeks, Dana joined us as an Administrative Support Associate with CareConnect. “This was more than just a job for me,” says Dana. “This meant a promising future for my family. This meant health benefits, financial security, independence, structure and more. This gave us hope that there really were good people still out there, willing to help out our veterans and their families struggling to acclimate.”
In the three years since that time, Dana has dedicated much of her free time to paying it forward to other returning veterans and their families. “I will never forget the years we spent in the military,” Dana says. “I will be forever thankful for all of the help and guidance the people of Northwell Health gave me in turning that experience into the great life I have now.”
Dana Martin
Finance Coordinator
CareConnect
CareConnect
Taking leadership and excellence to another level
Following a distinguished 10-year career in the Army, Melonie Longacre was looking for a place where she could translate the skills she developed in the military to a rewarding civilian career. “The military strengthened my adaptability and passion for innovation,” admits Melonie. “They also trained me in leadership and reinforced the priority to always put the mission first.”
When looking for a place to begin the next stage in her life, Melonie sought us out. “I knew about Northwell Health,” recalls Melonie. “They have a great reputation for being a progressive and successful health system.” Melonie joined us as Director of Radiology and Cardiology at our Plainview and Syosset hospitals.
Here at Northwell Health, she quickly showed the exceptional abilities she demonstrated in the military. She earned such distinctions as the Syosset Hospital’s Leadership Award. She became a Master Trainer for our “Team Strategies to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety” program. She also earned Six Sigma Green Belt status.
Melonie is proud to work for an organization that strives to help veterans return to rewarding lives after their military service. She is quick to note that, “Northwell Health provides a veteran mentoring program as well as veteran-friendly EAP services. We provide training to supervisors on veterans’ issues and available resources. I’m also a member of the VALOR program where I am able to mentor other veterans and help them with their transition back home.”
Melonie Longacre
Director of Radiology and Cardiology
Plainview & Syosset
Plainview & Syosset